Set within the extensive Milky Way ski area, Montgenèvre (France) and Sauze d'Oulx (Italy) offer two distinct alpine experiences. Montgenèvre is known for its family-friendly charm and reliable snow, while Sauze d'Oulx is famous for its lively après-ski scene and extensive intermediate terrain.
Read on to discover which ski resort suits your skiing style, group type, and holiday goals.
Montgenèvre or Sauze d'Oulx?
- Quick comparison table
- Ski area & terrain
- Snow fall history
- Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Après-ski & dining
- Families & beginners
- Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Activities beyond skiing
- Accessibility & transfers
- Cost and value for money
- Which one should you choose?
Quick comparison table
| Feature | Montgenèvre | Sauze d'Oulx |
|---|
| Ski area | Monts de la Lune (Milky Way) | Vialattea (Milky Way) |
| Base elevation | 1,860 m (6,069 ft) | 1,500 m (4,954 ft) |
| Highest lift | 2,700 m (8,858 ft) | 2,840 m (9,317 ft) |
| Total pistes (km) | 110 km local; 400 km Milky Way | 110 km local; 400 km Milky Way |
| Best for | Families, beginners, quiet atmosphere | Après-ski, intermediate skiers, social atmosphere |
| Village atmosphere | Traditional and quiet | Vibrant and lively |
| Accommodation | Family hotels, ski-in/ski-out apartments | Hotels and apartments, central and outskirts |
| Après-ski scene | Quiet and relaxed | Lively with varied nightlife |
Ski area & terrain
- Montgenèvre: Offers excellent beginner and intermediate skiing with wide, gentle slopes ideal for building confidence. The resort is perfect for families and less experienced skiers, though advanced skiers can enjoy some off-piste and challenging terrain around Col de l'Alpet and Rocher de l'Aigle.
- Sauze d'Oulx: Features extensive intermediate terrain with long winding blues and challenging reds. Advanced skiers have access to steeper black runs and exciting off-piste opportunities, particularly around Sportinia and Fraiteve. It offers diverse terrain linked directly to the vast Milky Way network.
Check out Montgenèvre piste map or Sauze d'Oulx piste map
Snow fall history
| Month | Montgenèvre (cm/in) | Sauze d'Oulx (cm/in) |
|---|
| December | 20 cm/7.8 in | 19 cm/7.4 in |
| January | 18 cm/7.0 in | 19 cm/7.4 in |
| February | 17 cm/6.6 in | 17 cm/6.6 in |
| March | 21 cm/8.2 in | 21 cm/8.2 in |
| April | 13 cm/5.1 in | 13 cm/5.1 in |
(ref: snow-forecast.com)
Accommodation & village atmosphere
- Montgenèvre is a picturesque, traditional French village known for its historic charm and relaxed atmosphere. Accommodation tends to be ski-in/ski-out and family oriented, with convenient access to the slopes.
- Sauze d'Oulx boasts a vibrant atmosphere with lively après-ski, cobbled streets, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Accommodation ranges from central hotels to quieter options on the outskirts, suitable for couples and groups of friends.
Explore some accommodation options in Montgenèvre or in Sauze d'Oulx
Après-ski & dining
- Montgenèvre provides a relaxed après-ski experience with cosy cafés and restaurants offering a mix of French and Italian specialities. Popular spots include Rois Mages and Le Graal Café.
- Sauze d'Oulx has an energetic après-ski scene with numerous bars like Ghost Bar, La Folie Douce, and Miravallino. Dining options are extensive, featuring both traditional Italian and international cuisine.
Families & beginners
- Montgenèvre is ideal for families, offering excellent nursery slopes and extensive children's facilities, such as interactive runs, themed pistes, and family-friendly accommodations.
- Sauze d'Oulx is less ideal for absolute beginners due to limited beginner slopes but does offer good family facilities like the Family Park and pedestrian friendly town centre.
Advanced skiers & snowboarders
- Montgenèvre provides some challenging off-piste areas but has fewer black pistes, making it less attractive for advanced skiers seeking extensive expert terrain.
- Sauze d'Oulx offers more variety for advanced skiers and snowboarders, including challenging black runs, steep descents, and impressive off-piste opportunities, especially around Sportinia and Fraiteve.
Activities beyond skiing
- Montgenèvre offers a variety of off-slope activities, including cinema, sledging, ice skating, heritage tours, and spa facilities, providing a relaxed atmosphere suitable for non-skiers.
- Sauze d'Oulx has fewer non-skiing activities but still includes swimming, spa and wellness, snowshoeing, ice skating, and cultural tours.
Accessibility & transfers
- Montgenèvre is accessible from Turin (1 hr 30 min), Chambéry (2 hrs), and Milan Malpensa (2 hr 30 min).
- Sauze d'Oulx is closer to Turin airport (1 hr 15 min) and also accessible from Milan Malpensa (2 hr 30 min) and Geneva (2 hr 45 min).
Cost and value for money
- Montgenèvre generally offers good value with family oriented accommodation and dining options, though prices can be slightly higher due to its ski-in/ski-out convenience.
- Sauze d'Oulx is known for offering excellent value, particularly with affordable dining and accommodation options, and lively, cost-effective après-ski.
Explore our Montgenèvre deals or Sauze d'Oulx deals
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Montgenèvre if you're traveling with family, beginners, or intermediates seeking a quieter atmosphere, extensive beginner-friendly slopes, reliable snow conditions, and easy slope access.
- Choose Sauze d'Oulx if you're an intermediate skier, snowboarder, or a group of friends looking for vibrant après-ski, lively nightlife, diverse dining options, and access to a large interconnected ski area
